tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post3293008001225536154..comments2024-03-19T03:27:24.068-04:00Comments on I SAW YOUR NANNY: Nanny's Health in QuestionLeigh Raymerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210572527823459842noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-4457920037137754712018-07-06T04:55:22.219-04:002018-07-06T04:55:22.219-04:00if you are feeling depressed then consult with bec...if you are feeling depressed then consult with because it is caused by a sleeping issue known as clinomania. Where a person has no control over their sleeping desires and that person called <a href="https://clinomania.co/" rel="nofollow">clinomaniac</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-29065597347351460382013-01-05T01:40:00.792-05:002013-01-05T01:40:00.792-05:00I'm on Citolopram, but not for depression, for...I'm on Citolopram, but not for depression, for severe anxiety. I realize there is a stigma, and I didn't tell the family I was working for, I know that it has nothing to do with how I care for their kids...turns out, both MB and DB are on the same drug.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-64826097527928384482012-12-05T03:25:56.206-05:002012-12-05T03:25:56.206-05:00I would like to point out that there are may diffe...I would like to point out that there are may different things anti-depressants are used to treat. <br />1. some sleep issues<br />2. Fibromyalgia (a chronic pain disease) <br />3. seasonal depression on occasion<br />4. anxiety problems<br />5. to treat OCD<br />6. to treat PMS<br />7. to stop smoking<br />8. to treat depression like symptoms)<br />Anti depressants are used for a LOT of different things. Many people take them for chronic unexplainable pain, and sleeping issues such as chronic fatigue....<br />OR maybe your children make her anxious lol, and they are used to treat that.<br />Regardless of if she i son them because her granny died, she needs help with her pms or to quite smoking, or she has a sleeping disorder, her being on antidepressants has not affected her job, and therefor does note effect you<br />Their Ambynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-971642594864285692012-11-21T18:56:37.609-05:002012-11-21T18:56:37.609-05:00Also, the ADA does not cover a single, private emp...Also, the ADA does not cover a single, private employer. People are free to discriminate in their homes, for obvious reasons, the Courts are not going to force someone to have a nanny they feel is unsafe.Flo, Cont....noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-44256584747569159672012-11-21T18:54:12.652-05:002012-11-21T18:54:12.652-05:00You certainly have the right to fire any person, f...You certainly have the right to fire any person, for any reason, that is working with your kids. I am a psych RN and know that meds are very common, I also know how they can cover severe problems. I had a nanny that suddenly stopped Effexor and became psychotic and tried to kill my son. It is called AT WILL employment for a reason, go with your gut, I wish I had. Your kids are your first priority, over anyone's privacy, employment, whatever. An employee could certainly quit a job if she felt her employer was unstable, like it or not, the stigma is there, and sometimes for good cause.Flonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-13961949072975463722012-11-20T17:48:06.149-05:002012-11-20T17:48:06.149-05:00anon,
There is such a thing as law and it does ap...anon,<br /><br />There is such a thing as law and it does apply. No, you're not serving any higher purpose without another reason. As OP said, no ups and downs, no problems. Therefore, no reason.<br /><br />It's one thing to take this information and do further investigation (nanny cameras, anonymous checks, communication with the children, etc.) and then react to subsequent information. It's wholly another to freak out on this one tidbit and terminate a person's livelihood.<br /><br />If for no other reason than, God only knows what the next person is on.swiss army medicationnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-90300245693776169352012-11-20T17:43:39.714-05:002012-11-20T17:43:39.714-05:00OP,
How do you know she's taking it for depre...OP,<br /><br />How do you know she's taking it for depression? Some medications have multiple uses.<br /><br />My brother used to take Prozac. Prozac can be used for depression and there are a great many people who only know this use.<br /><br />But Prozac can also be used for anti-anxiety.<br /><br />The question remains, how do you know it's for depression?<br /><br />swiss army medicationnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-47459543703524394232012-11-19T19:55:22.191-05:002012-11-19T19:55:22.191-05:00Be on the look out for changes in her behavior. If...Be on the look out for changes in her behavior. If you notice them let her go before the kids suffer at the hands of someone who isn't well. That's your job to protect your kids. Looking out to make sure the nanny is still doing well is smart and is nobody elses responsibility but your own. Good job for being a concerned parent. Parenting isn't the area that you should be careless in. So I agree with you OP. Keep an eye on her. Momma Bearnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-20285831443144559642012-11-19T17:00:39.006-05:002012-11-19T17:00:39.006-05:00I want to thank everyone for the amazing advice, I...I want to thank everyone for the amazing advice, I learned a lot. <br />I never even thought of our nanny having something other than an <br />emotional illness, like insomnia or migraines. And I never meant to <br />imply I wanted to fire her, we love her, I just want to be a <br />responsible parent. I will leave things be and just keep a watch for <br />some of the signs that were given for a change in behavior, just in <br />case it is something more serious than depression. As for how I found <br />out, I saw the medication through a mesh side pocket of her backpack.OPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-51633116967168300552012-11-19T05:12:53.336-05:002012-11-19T05:12:53.336-05:00My opinion is - they are your kids. If you are unc...My opinion is - they are your kids. If you are uncomfortable in the least with someone caring for your kids that needs to be on meds - then let her go and hire a new person. Everyone here is jumping on you because it seems half of the world loves to take pills for every little problem these days. Bottom line is this is not an office job, these are your kids. If you have a doubt, you have a right to let her go no matter what the reason. Nannies get let go for lesser things than this - that is why the nature of the job in itself is unpredictable. The work is extremely personal, and you can never take a chance with your children. Don't listen to anyone, listen to your heart.<br />anon opinionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-19918975092376278532012-11-18T11:24:49.386-05:002012-11-18T11:24:49.386-05:00The NYC nanny backlash starts.
1. You can't as...The NYC nanny backlash starts.<br />1. You can't ask her. She was not obligated to tell you. You cannot give that as a reason for firing.<br /><br />2. As a parent you have the right to feel 100% comfortable with the person caring for your child. Maybe the reasoning behind your comfort or discomfort isn't fair, but it's still your right.<br /><br />If you feel comfortable keep her. If you don't let her go.<br /><br />You & your kids deserve a nanny you trust and your nanny deserves to work for employers that trust her.katydidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-87455093461242044332012-11-18T02:43:49.072-05:002012-11-18T02:43:49.072-05:00I definitely do not think you should ask her as it...I definitely do not think you should ask her as it is none of your business. If she is caring for your children fine then the medicine is doing its job. As above posters have mentioned she could be on the medicine for a variety of issues. I take a depression medicine for my anxiety, not for depression and while I manage it fine on my own it is genetic and my doctor would rather me be on the medicine. It does not affect my ability to care for children in the slightest. So before you jump to conclusions just take a deep breath and realize she could have it for many different reasons and instead of seeing she is taking the medicine watch for differences in her behavior instead.alexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-9504882683482616152012-11-18T01:13:33.526-05:002012-11-18T01:13:33.526-05:00How did you find out her personal medical informat...How did you find out her personal medical information?curiousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-10019740540353323282012-11-18T00:00:38.000-05:002012-11-18T00:00:38.000-05:00Ask if you would like to be sued if you ever fire ...Ask if you would like to be sued if you ever fire her. It's none of your business unless it negatively effects job performance, and it doesn't sound like it is.<br /><br />As a person who suffers from an anxiety disorder and manages it with a combination of prescription drug and other therapies, I am sort of offended you would have such a knee-jerk reaction to be "concerned" even though you have no reason to. The stigma of mental illness continues to hurt functional people suffering from disorders around the world, and your reaction perpetuates that cycle.<br />nannycalifornianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-77553856022408042922012-11-17T15:28:56.739-05:002012-11-17T15:28:56.739-05:00I am kind of on the fence with this one to be hone...I am kind of on the fence with this one to be honest...I have had friends with Bipolar disorder who really did have some extremely scary behavior. They were able to hide their illness amazingly well from those who they were uncomfortable opening up to. I know that many people who suffer from these disorders are able to keep their disease under control through medication and therapy. I guess it really should be judged on a case by case basis, but to compare a nanny's employer to an office employer when it comes to mental health is really unfair. The nanny is in charge of young children and the parents need to feel 100% confident that their children are safe. If this mother feels uncomfortable for ANY reason, she has a right to let the nanny go. I'm not saying she is right to do it but she needs to follow her gut. Many nannies are at will employees, which means they can be let go for any reason and can also leave for any reason. OP, follow your gut, do what it tells you to do.On The Fencenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-28117900153852887102012-11-17T12:52:32.584-05:002012-11-17T12:52:32.584-05:00My Dad has bipolar and has successfullly raised 5 ...My Dad has bipolar and has successfullly raised 5 kids. Since my mum tried to sue my Dad for custody he had to prove to the courts that he was fit to be a parent - he is a really wonderful parent and I am super greatfull to have him as a Dad. My best friend is on anti- depressants to retrain her bladder. Not everyone is on medication for depression and sometimes those who are, are really amazing brilliant people. Jessinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-10947164551972581252012-11-17T10:35:10.909-05:002012-11-17T10:35:10.909-05:00I'm very curious to know how you accidently fo...I'm very curious to know how you accidently found this out.<br /><br />If you were snooping maybe you do need to let her go as you obviously do not trust her.<br /><br /> That is what your choice to keep her employed or not needs to be based on. Do you trust her completely with your children? It's a yes or no answer.<br />Susannahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-44561976336807937832012-11-17T02:34:17.806-05:002012-11-17T02:34:17.806-05:00This is one of the best posts I've ever seen o...This is one of the best posts I've ever seen on ISYN. I know it doesn't personally have much to do with nannies/children in particular but like another person said above, so many people take medication for depression and other causes, this was a very necessary conversation. Many of us, myself included, need to be educated. When I was younger I was seriously abused and the Drs told me I had PTSD. I thought that was only something a soldier coming home from war could get but that isn't true. I was placed on an anti anxiety medication and it's helped tremendously. Many employers don't know the people working for them have some kind of disorder and if it doesn't inhibit them from doing their job it really shouldn't be anyone's business. Most people function very well with the aid of medication and shouldn't be judged for it. Thank you for writing in, OP. It's better you came here for advice then just firing your nanny over this. You say you love her and she's good to your children so just try your best to be supportive of her. Quite a few here listed symptoms to watch out for just in case your nanny is taking medication for depression, etc. Do keep in mind please that many of these drugs have duel purposes though! Good luck, I hope the best for you and your nanny. :)Liznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-24192636928567537212012-11-17T02:08:50.486-05:002012-11-17T02:08:50.486-05:00Iphone user who cant pick a moniker :I'm not e...Iphone user who cant pick a moniker :I'm not even going to read anyone else comments but I will tell you: 1. How would you feel if your nanny wanted to ask you if you were stable and if you were taking any antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications? After all, what if you suddenly stop taking meds and become a lazy uncaring mother who cant get out of bed becausee you are too depressed? Sure she's working for you. But don't assume the worst? Is this a med for sleeping? Flight anxiety? Or a minor daily maintenance dose for some emotional troubles she is going through? Honestly if it bother you so much, and you won't fire her, just tell her you wanted to check in and ask if she needed someone to talk to bc you noticed her medication. And you want her to always feel like she can open up to you if she needs an ear. May I ask how you know what she is taking? And can you say what it was called? anon Iphonenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-4393414926975280682012-11-16T23:29:57.444-05:002012-11-16T23:29:57.444-05:00Chris, what did Reglan do to you? If its been less...Chris, what did Reglan do to you? If its been less than two years since your injury, find a lawyer. Reglan locked my jaw for six hours. Awful, dangerous medication. I took it post surgery for nausea. Reglan Is Dangerousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-55267586408038448882012-11-16T21:23:33.142-05:002012-11-16T21:23:33.142-05:00I'm glad so many people have agreed that menta...I'm glad so many people have agreed that mental illness is not someone's fault and that there are plenty of people on antidepressants who are great at their job.<br /><br />However, "A nanny named bear" FYI I am an unmedicated bipolar patient. Does this make me unfit to be a nanny? Rhetorical question, because no of course it does not. I'm great at my job and I know how to hold myself together at work.<br /><br />Future Nurse, thanks for the links. You are always so level-headed and full of medical info.MissMannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15111173519948500730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-41054153530946509862012-11-16T19:00:34.084-05:002012-11-16T19:00:34.084-05:00As a nanny who has struggled with depression for m...As a nanny who has struggled with depression for many years, I think that you would be able to tell if she goes off her meds or needs her meds tweaked. The signs might include:<br /><br />Irritability, sleeplessness or excessive sleeping, loss of or increase in appetite, calling in sick more frequently, or coming to work but not being "on", lack of care about personal grooming, a detached attitude, lack of willingness to do the normal activities she does with your kids, apathy, and a generally "disconnected" attitude.<br /><br />If she's been doing a good job for you up until now, then your best bet is to adhere to what you are legally allowed to do, and ask her nothing. <br /><br />I am going to guess that you are concerned in part because of the horrible tragedy that occurred in NYC with the Krim family. Please remember that people who were around that nanny all say they DID NOTICE some of the signs I listed above. I don't know if any of them acted on what they saw. <br /><br />And just to emphasize a point made a few times above - you already likely know a number of people who have a mental illness. The stigma persists, despite the fact that many folks live perfectly normal lives with the help of meds, therapy, or a combination of the two. That's why no one goes around declaring, "I am mentally ill!"<br /><br />Please don't buy into the stigmas. beentheredonethatnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-48794397466082436952012-11-16T18:02:45.601-05:002012-11-16T18:02:45.601-05:00Oh and some people take Anti-Depresants for Menere...Oh and some people take Anti-Depresants for Menere's Diesease (spelling sorry) its an inner ear thing. Anti Depressants can also help with quitting smoking. When I posted my comment, I was sure people would tell me to quit my job but as you can see...we have all been there.<br />MissWInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-75376595130621436192012-11-16T16:59:44.592-05:002012-11-16T16:59:44.592-05:00Please post this anonymously....I am a nanny on an...Please post this anonymously....I am a nanny on antidepressants. It does not interfere with my ability to do my job well. All it means is that your nanny is managing her condition. I have for over 10 years. You could always have an open discussion about it. But please don't hold it against her if you feel she is more than capable of taking good care of your children.<br />anon nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-65830791978591611062012-11-16T16:22:57.094-05:002012-11-16T16:22:57.094-05:00Terminating her employment would be wrong at this ...Terminating her employment would be wrong at this point, I believe. If her behavior is not an issue, and there are no "mood" issues, you should leave it be. Someone's personal medical issues should be and are none of your business if it doesn't effect her work performance. Making a judgement based on her taking anti-depressants would be very wrong, especially because there could be a multitude of reasons for her taking them.<br /><br />One of my friends takes them because of her Pmdd irritability, and nothing else. Would severe Pam's symptoms be something that are YOUR employers business? Would it be acceptable for you to have to be sat down and have a discussion about your personal medical stuff... I think not. <br /><br />I myself was on an anti-depressant for something that had nothing to do with depression. I had insomnia for a while and one specific med for for depression is used as a med for insomnia. Should that prevent me from maintaining may chosen profession? Is insomnia something I should have to disclose at an interview? Hell no.<br /><br />Also, who says that this is not something she started to take AFTER she was hired. <br /><br />If her work performance is not an issue, than you have no reason to discuss this with her. If you have concerns because of her behavior, then THAT is what you need to address. If there are no issues other than you found her prescribed medication... Leave it be. <br /><br />Medications can dispensed for a multitude of reasons. Jumping to conclusions based upon a potentially incorrect assumption would be a big mistake on your part. Especially if you really like your nanny and her work thus far. <br /><br />Not only that, but please remember that if you let her go based upon something like this, and she finds out... You are opening up the door to being sued for discrimination and wrongful termination... Even in at at will state.<br /><br />If you have concerns based upon finding her medication, I suggest you just be more observant about things around the house and with the kids. If there is no issue, great. If there are issues, address those. Not her Rx.aCleaverJunenoreply@blogger.com